Proper equipment is necessary for playing sports. Cyclists and skaters need helmets designed to protect them from injuries specific to the kinds of activities in which they participate. According to the Nemours Foundation, multi-use helmets may not provide sufficient protection. Faulty and improper helmets are one of the major causes of injuries among children and adults.
Size
Different helmets are designed to protect skaters and cyclist against various collisions and different levels of impact. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, helmets should fit properly and comfortably. They should sit evenly on top of the head and not be tilted in any one direction. The chinstrap should tighten securely, and the helmet should remain stable when wearing it at all times.
Benefits
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission rates helmets. Helmets designed for riding motorcycles and bicycles are regulated by federal standards. Most helmets are designed to meet federal standards while others submit to voluntary standards for optimum safety. Helmets that meet federal standards provide substantial protection against head injuries. The straps on approved helmets hold the headgear on tightly during impact.
Features
Helmets that meet federal guidelines and standards are marked with a sticker bearing the letters "CPSC." Manufacturer claims do not necessarily mean the helmet is approved for cycling or skating. The CPSC label usually is inside the helmet and designates the helmet as approved for a specific activity. Ratings of various approved helmets also are noted on the label. Ratings judge performance for various situations such as moderate impact or they tell you the helmet is designed for a limited number of impacts before it must be replaced.
Considerations
Skating and cycling helmets are built to withstand one or multiple impacts. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, bicycle helmets typically are designed to protect the rider for one impact before they need to be replaced. The foam inside the helmet crushes during the fall and will not leave sufficient padding for another fall. Skating helmets sometimes are designed to withstand multiple falls unless the helmet sustains visible damage, such as a cracked shell or dented interior.
Warning
Without proper head protection, a fall from as little as 2 feet above the ground can result in a traumatic brain injury. According to Safe Kids USA, head injuries are the leading cause of death among wheeled-sport accidents. Among kids who wear helmets, more than a third do not wear their helmets properly, increasing the risk of a head injury even when wearing a helmet. Wearing a helmet tipped backwards increases the risk of serious brain injury by 52 percent.
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